We Discovered What STEM Has to Do With Transport and Spatial Planning

Interdisciplinary Student Solutions

In the first part of the event, five interdisciplinary student teams from the Academy of Urban Mobility Planning (PUMA) presented their final projects. With mentoring support, students worked on real-world transport and spatial challenges in the City of Zagreb, proposing solutions for specific locations:

• Mobility Hubs – Intermodal hubs, micromobility, digital information, and improved accessibility.
• Expansion of Pedestrian Zones – Safer and higher-quality public spaces while balancing housing, supply, and delivery needs.
• Public Transport System Improvements – Creating a more efficient, accessible, and better-integrated system.
• Low speed zones – “Zone 30” areas, raised pedestrian crossings, intersection redesigns, and safer streets.
• Park & Ride System – Location selection and facilitating the transition from cars to public transport.

The presentations demonstrated how an interdisciplinary approach (combining transport, space, data, and social sustainability) leads to more concrete and applicable solutions, with a clearer focus on quality of life and urban safety.

Panel Discussion: “STEM and Transport-Spatial Planning”

The second part of the event was a panel discussion which was moderated by Magdalena Makar (ODRAZ), featuring experts: Assoc. Prof. Marko Slavulj (University of Zagreb Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences), Ivan Nemet (Department for Spatial Planning of the City of Zagreb), Daria Vidović (VGBD), Robert Medvedec (Cyclists’ Union), and Lucija Gajić (Sociology student, University of Zagreb Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences).

Key takeaways from the discussion:

• Evolution of Planning: Over the last 20 years, the focus has shifted toward digitalization, smart cities, active mobility, electrification, and the “15-minute city” concept. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) now serve as the primary framework.
• Interdisciplinarity is Essential: Beyond technical STEM fields (traffic engineering, civil engineering, geoinformatics), social sciences are crucial for understanding social sustainability and citizen perception.
• Citizen Participation: Early and meaningful involvement of citizens is necessary. When the process is transparent and well-explained, citizens are highly willing to participate.
• Regulatory Obstacles: Outdated procedures often lead to “half-measures.” There is a need for modernized regulations and anticipatory planning.
• Skills for the Future: In addition to technical skills, young professionals need experience with simulation tools, scenario planning, an entrepreneurial mindset, and “soft skills” for stakeholder engagement.
• Mentorship: Structured programs and service-learning models are needed to transfer knowledge from experienced professionals to the younger generation.

Conclusion

Quality transport and spatial planning are only possible through strong interdisciplinary cooperation, active citizen inclusion, modernization of regulations, and systematic support for youth through internships and mentorships.

The event showed that transport and space are not just technical issues, but matters of safety, equality, and quality of life. It specifically highlighted the need to make urban mobility more visible and accessible to young women.

Organizers: The event was organized by ODRAZ as part of the projects:

1. REAL RIS – Funded by EIT Urban Mobility (an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology).
2. Kad ODRASTEM (When I Grow Up/STEM) – Funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia